The National Assistance Card is now available to Autistic people across Australia following a successful trial in Tasmania. This expansion means Autistic people nationwide are now eligible to apply for the Card as well as people with brain injury.
The National Assistance Card is a support tool to empower cardholders to feel more confident communicating the assistance they might need in everyday and emergency situations.
Every Card is personalised to include the cardholder’s unique support needs and a QR code that provides access to written or video information the cardholder has chosen to share – in their own words.
Originally launched in December 2021 for people with brain injury in Australia, the National Assistance Card was trialled with Autistic people in Tasmania from September 2022 in collaboration with Autism Tasmania.
Our 2024 survey of cardholders found that the National Assistance Card is a valuable tool for Autistic cardholders in Tasmania, with almost all Autistic cardholders who had shown their Card to someone reporting the Card was helpful. They reported that the main reason they used the Card was to explain the assistance or understanding they may need. Most cardholders have used their Card in places such as shops, supermarkets, medical appointments, transport services, and while traveling.
Feedback from Autistic cardholders:
“... in public settings, on public transportation and in regular outings, the National Assistance Card has proven to be very helpful in promoting awareness and understanding in my community and peers.”
“It’s very easy for me to hand a Card to someone when I am in crisis rather than try to explain from scratch what’s going on.”
“I thought more about my autistic behaviour and vulnerabilities and felt considerably safer having the card.”
You can apply for the National Assistance Card today or tell family, friends and peers if you think others would benefit from access to a National Assistance Card.
For more information about eligibility and what you need with your application please visit www.nationalassistancecard.com.au/eligibility
